Motion Compensation Systems News

Dutch manufacturer Huisman has entered the port and logistics market with the order for series of automated stacking cranes (ACSs) from Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT).The ACSs will serve for the efficient handling and buffering of containers. The cranes feature a fully automated process for handling and buffering containers, providing a solution for enhanced operational efficiency, required for 24/7 operational time.The diversification in port automation underscores Huisman's…

Belgian offshore installation firm Deme Offshore and Dutch company Barge Master, which specializes in offshore motion compensation systems, have partnered up to further develop a U.S. Jones Act-compliant feeder solution for the upcoming offshore wind projects in the U.S.Last year, DEME Offshore was selected by wind farm developer Vineyard Vind to provide the offshore transport and installation of 62 GE Haliade offshore wind turbines for the Vineyard Wind 1 project, the first large-scale offshore wind installation in the United States.

Edward Heerema is founder and president of Allseas, which brought the world’s largest construction vessel, Pioneering Spirit, to the market. The company, which also brought innovation to the pipelay sector, has added its latest trick to Pioneering Spirit – its jacket lift system. But Allseas is also targeting deepsea mining and has its sights on the offshore wind market. Elaine Maslin caught up with Edward Heerema to find out more.The first time I met Edward Heerema was at the company’s offices in Delft, in the Netherlands.

Barge Master and Bosch Rexroth have jointly introduced a new motion compensated gangway to the offshore wind market. After numerous simulations and virtual tests, the first actually manufactured gangway is currently being tested onshore at the Bosch Rexroth facilities in Boxtel, the Netherlands. On June 21 this location was transformed into a presentation area, where the visitors were informed about the partnership between the two companies, and allowed to have a close look at the complex technology on the demonstrated gangway.

ABS announced the publication of The ABS Guide for Certification of Offshore Access Gangways. The new Guide addresses certification for safety systems used for “walk to work” (W2W) crew transfers. “As advanced crew transfer options become the norm in the offshore oil and gas industry, more and more companies want to benefit from W2W vessels and are looking to ABS for safety guidance,” says ABS Chief Technology Officer, Howard Fireman. Offshore access gangways with motion compensation systems are deployed and connected to the fixed or floating platform, maintaining the connection via telescoping features that provide a flat, inclined walking surface between the offshore support vessel and the delivery point.

The Barge Master T40 motion compensated knuckle boom crane has been recognized for technological innovation, winning the Spotlight on New Technology Small Business Award at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston. Barge Master develops motion compensation systems for the maritime industry that compensate vessel motions, creating a platform that is not moving with respect to the stationary fixed world. The systems are developed to increase the safety and workability of offshore lifting operations.

Updated Guide includes latest industry standards. [PRESS RELEASE] (Houston) ABS has published a new edition of the ABS Guide for Certification of Lifting Appliances that includes construction and operation of modern lifting appliances. The revised ABS Lifting Appliance Guide provides the marine and offshore industry with a clear and precise set of requirements that fully address the existing and new technologies. The input from industry experts, gathered over a two-year period, is reflected in the Guide's more precise requirements for crane machinery; electrical and control systems; structure, material, fabrication, nondestructive evaluation and testing. Structural requirements for shipboard, offshore and heavy lift cranes have been completely revised and updated.

Barge Master has delivered its first Barge Master T40 (BM-T40) motion compensated knuckle boom crane, the company announced. The BM-T40, installed on Wagenborg’s ‘Walk to Work’ vessel the Kroonborg, compensates for sea induced vessel motions in roll, pitch and heave directions at the base of the crane, up to three meters significant wave height. The BM-T40 is designed for offshore support vessels that are used to transfer small loads and personnel to (unmanned) offshore oil and gas platforms or wind turbines.

The completion of a joint industry project (JIP) to improve existing standards and regulations around subsea lifting operations has resulted in a new recommended practice (RP). The recommended practice developed by DNV GL provides guidance on the proper design and correct operation, as well as regular inspection and maintenance, of subsea cranes and lifting appliances. The aim is to reduce the overall risk and safeguard personnel during lifting operations and to improve the integrity and efficiency of equipment throughout its lifetime.

In a refurbishment program to upgrade lifeboats on offshore platforms, Ampelmann completed a second successful reinstallation using its full motion compensation technology. The eight-metric-ton lifeboat was kept completely stationary above the vessel deck, to allow lifting by the platform’s davit cranes. Traditionally, refurbished lifeboats are reinstalled on the offshore structure in the following manner: a platform supply vessel takes the lifeboat offshore, where it is lifted from the deck to the sea.

Barge Master has obtained ISO 9001 certification for the development and exploitation of its offshore motion compensation systems, the company announced today in a press statement. Barge Master said its quality assurance, safety, health and environment (QASHE) system is in compliance with legal, industry and Barge Master standards. For the quality part, the company received the ISO 9001 certificate. According to Barge Master, the company is able to work more efficiently by standardizing its processes. The company expects its personnel to use the standards and train new staff to use them, too.